In the wake of recent report of 61 fresh cases of measles found in Auckland, the Ministry of Health has come out to appeal parents to alter their holiday plans as measles outbreak is on its spree. With no early respite from it in the near future, Child and Youth Health Adviser, Pat Tuohy cautioned parents about the measles infection among the school kids.

He further pressed the parents to postpone or preferably cancel their scheduled plans for sports tournaments or other holiday activities in case their kids have not been immunized or have experienced any paltry health concern related to measles.

Further, Dr. Tuohy added, ''By taking these extra steps parents are helping to protect children who can't be immunised because they are having cancer treatment or have other conditions that put them at high risk of becoming extremely sick if they do catch this disease”.

Against the existing immunization rate of 90% of two-year-olds, it’s believed that efforts need to be racked up to 95%, thereby ensuring safety for young kids from measles.

The Ministry of Health has called people to get their child immunized with immediate effect by contacting their family doctors for MMR vaccine.